Obama's presidency is not a year old but whatever he does in the remainder of his presidency the passage of his healthcare bill** may be regarded as his biggest achievement. The absence of healthcare cover for many Americans is regularly cited by anti-Americans as a sign of an uncaring society. The great upside of Obama's bill is the fact that thirty-one million uninsured Americans will have access to healthcare. The great downside is the cost. Some estimates say that the plan will cost up to a trillion dollars.
The bill has the passionate support of most Democrats although hardliners are disappointed at the scrapping of, for example, 'the public option' (a state-run healthcare service component) in order for the bill to win the support of moderate Democrats. Most Americans oppose the healthcare bill, however. Partly because average family insurance policies will increase in cost from $13,100 to $15,200. The Republicans hope to make big gains in next November's Congressional elections on the back of the cost of Obama's legislative boldness.
* A Congressional Budget Office estimate.
** Technically the bill has only passed the Senate. Negotiations now begin with the House of Representatives to draft a bill that satisfies both halves of Congress. Agreement is widely expected as the House had already passed a more radical bill.
